Did you know that El Yunque is one of the oldest forest reserves in the Western Hemisphere? Flora Even though the El Yunque National Forest is the

smallest forest in the National Forest System, it is also the most diverse. In it are over 240 species of native he history of the El Yunque National T …Where is El Yunque of which 23 are found only in El Yunque, and 47 Forest is extremely rich. The Taino are introduced. Also 88 species of rare trees, 50 species The El Yunque National Forest is located in the indians, who inhabited the island of native orchids and over 150 species of ferns are Luquillo mountains, approximately 25 miles (40 and called it “Borikén”, found in the forest. kilometers) from the Metropolitan San Juan Area. It believed that the cloud encompasses over 28,000 acres of land (11,500 The forest is divided into 4 forest types: capped peaks in the hectares), making it the largest public land area in Luquillo mountains, which The Tabonuco Forest is found between 100 to 2,000 and the only forest administered by the (30 to 610 meters) feet above sea level. The trees here they called “Yuké”, were a USDA Forest Service on the Island. sacred place occupied by the reach a height of over 120 feet (37 meters) and the good spirit “Yokahú” to whom Elevation, and Temperature dominant species are the Tabonuco and the Ausubo. they prayed for protection from Scenic mountains and exuberant vegetation are only Other common trees here are the Trumpet Wood (Yagrumo), Guaraguao, Laurel Sabino and the giant the bad spirit some of the characteristics of this tropical forest. Its ferns. “Juracán” (hurricane). From the Taino word elevation varies between 330 to 3,530 feet (100 to “Yuké” the Spanish colonizers derived “El 1,075 meters) above sea level. The Palo Colorado Forest is found between 1,970 to Yunque” to refer to these mountains. The 2,950 feet (600 to 900 meters) above sea level in petroglyphs (stone writings) that have been valleys and slopes. Common tree species found here discovered on river rocks within the forest, are the Caimitillo and the Palo Colorado. provide mute evidence of the Taino who The Sierra Palm Forest is found in higher elevations over 1,958 feet (600 meters) in the flood areas near prevailed on the island for over a thousand years. rivers and creeks, as well as in steep terrain. Because In 1876 while Puerto Rico was ruled by Spain, of its unique ability, the dominant species is the Sierra Alfonso XII designated 12,000 cuerdas (cuerda Palm. = .97 acre) of land in the Luquillo mountains to The is found in areas that are 2,500 feet be a forest reserve, making El Yunque one of the oldest forest reserves in the Western Hemisphere. (762 meters) or more above sea level. Due to almost At the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898 Rain is usually a daily occurrence, with an average of constant rain and cloud cover combined with strong 200 inches (500 centimeters) a year in the higher peaks. the Spanish crown lands were ceded to the United winds, trees and plants found in this part of the forest Rain showers tend to be short but intense. It usually are stunted, seldom growing over 15 feet (4.5 meters) in States government and subsequently, in 1903 the rains most during spring and autumn. height. For this reason this area is also known as the reserve was retained by order of President ° ° “Dwarf Forest”. Common trees found in this part of the Theodore Roosevelt and named the Luquillo The average daily temperatures are 77.9 F (25.5 C) in the lower parts of the forest, and 65.3°F (18.5°C) on the forest include: Nemoca, Roble de Sierra, Limoncillo, Forest Reserve (later Luquillo National Forest) Guayabota, and Camasey. making it the only tropical rain forest in the U. S. regions over 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level. National Forest system. Fauna Some Helpful Hints: The forest fauna is comprised of reptiles, amphibians, * Hiking is probably the best way to experience the and birds. Eight (8) species of the Anolis lizard are Forest in its many different forms. Numerous trails found here as well as 13 of the 16 species of “coqui” provide access to the Forest, from the lowest valleys to existing on the Island, and over 50 species of birds, the highest peaks. including the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot. Native * The climate is generally pleasant, but due to frequent mammals are represented by 11 species of bats. There showers, rain gear and adequate shoes for walking the are also fish, shrimp and other aquatic species. Snakes slippery trails are recommended. are rare in the area; the largest is the Puerto Rican Boa which can grow to 90 inches (2.25 meters). It is * If you plan to spend the day or walk the trails, use important to note that the Forest is a wildlife refuge and insect repellent and carry drinking water with you. hunting is not allowed. * Wildflowers, trees, shrubs, ferns, and are part Interpretation and Recreation of the living forest to be seen and enjoyed, not picked and El Yunque offers the visitor opportunities for passive destroyed. recreation and interpretive services oriented toward the discovery of the history, biodiversity, and management The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits of the Forest. Guided tours of the forest trails are discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, offered by interpreters through the “Rent-a-Ranger” color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual and “Forest Adventure Tours” programs. orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any For those visitors who come to spend the day in a public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all natural environment, El Yunque also offers a variety of programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means sites to visit and enjoy: for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) Observation Sites: 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

1) Yokahú Tower To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, 2) Mount Britton Tower Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 3) La Coca Falls 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and 4) LaMinaFalls employer. 5) Juan Diego 6) Baño de Oro y Baño Grande For more information: Visitor Centers: 7) El Portal Rain Forest Center El Yunque National Forest 8) Yokahú Tower HC-01, Box 13490 Rio Grande PR 00745 9) Palo Colorado 787-888-1880 Picnic Areas: 10) Palo Colorado www.fs.usda.gov/elyunque 11) Caimitillo 12) Palma de Sierra November 2007 13) Quebrada Grande (El Verde) Printed on recycled paper